Environmental Indices and Awareness among Residents of Klerksdorp, South Africa (A Cross-Section Study)

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.05.01.Art013

Authors : Olukayode O Alewi, Olukayode O Alewi

Abstract:

While increase in urbanization and industrialization has brought many social benefits, including high living standard, economic prosperity, and education. Regrettably, it has also “invited” many material and social problems, diseases, epidemics from poor environmental awareness and behaviour-which all lead invariably to reduce health status of the population; by way of increased air pollution from vehicular congestion, and industrial revolution with their attendant noise pollution, human activities tampering with the eco system and ozone depletion just among others.

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess the level of environmental indices awareness and education about the associated diseases that results from poor environmental health practices; among residents of Klerksdorp city in South Africa. A cross sectional study of 100 residents was conducted using a random multistage cluster sampling technique. The target population was drawn from Klerksdorp residents (55% male and 45% female) between the ages of 20 and 65 years. Data collection was performed using a well-structured self-administered, 35-item questionnaire covering environmental awareness on ten indices of environmental factors, and knowledge of adverse health effects associated with them with therapeutic options. Only 13% on the average have basic environmental health awareness of the indices; leading to a very poor correlation between awareness and associated diseases. 21% of the respondents have knowledge of adverse health effects associated with environmental hazards. Therapeutic options were fairly demonstrated however; as over 70% know they have to seek medical attention from hospital if they feel sick. Males score relatively higher than females especially on air pollution and its ill-effects. The study concludes that, there is an urgent need for health promotion in terms of environmental health and indices awareness and health education about healthy environmental practices among the residents survey with a view to enhance health care system.

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